Arrested duo were in touch with Shafi Armar

Investigators are probing the Kolkata link of the ISIS since a suspect arrested in West Bengal had confessed about his Hyderabad handler a week ago. NIA officials will also be verifying if the local ISIS group had connections with those who had disappeared from Kerala recently.

According to the NIA probe team, the fresh arrests were made after the five suspects, who were arrested earlier, confessed about the involvement of the two.

“The arrests were made after their involvement in the terrorist conspiracy came to light,” said an official.

“Ataullah Rehman has been arrested for his key role in the conspiracy. He was involved in radicalising the group members.... He had participated in several conspiracy meetings as was revealed by the other co-accused in the case,” an NIA investigation officer said.

“Naimathullah Hussaini was arrested for being a key member of the conspiracy group and for contributing money to the terrorist fund,” the officer said, adding that Hussaini had received funds through hawala. Sources said that the duo was also in touch with alleged ISIS recruiter Shafi Armar.

The two were produced before a special court in Nampally on Tuesday after which they were sent to 14 days of judicial remand. NIA officials said that they would be taking them into custody soon for further probe.